AC Milan will do everything to keep Tomori, says Italy legend Baresi

AC MILAN are keen to keep Nigerian defender Fikayo Tomori after his loan deal from Chelsea, the Italian club’s honorary President Franco Baresi has stated.

Tomori, who was born in Canada to Nigerian parents but has chosen to play international football for the Three Lions of England instead of the Super Eagles, has been impressive since joining AC Milan on loan in January.

Baresi was one of the best centre-backs in the world in his playing days for Milan and Italy in the 1980s and 1990s, and his opinion on central defenders carries a lot of weight.

Tomori went straight into the Milan starting XI upon his arrival from Chelsea and there is an option for the Italian club to buy the 23-year-old for around €30m.

“He is imposing himself with great determination and talent,” Baresi said of Tomori in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport published on Friday. 

“He arrived in a league he didn’t know and faced it without fear. These are qualities of a potential champion, we hope he maintains this promise. We’ll do all we can to redeem him, although there are two more months and it doesn’t depend just on Milan.” 

Tomori has made 12 appearances for Milan since joining them and Italy legend Baresi believes he has stood out.

“Among those who have shone in this second part of the season, there is undoubtedly Fikayo Tomori, who has had a great impact since his arrival in January from Chelsea.”

Baresi, 60, won six Serie A titles with AC Milan as a player and was in the Italy squad that won the World Cup in 1982, although he did not get to play. He was however a key player for the Azzurri as they reached the World Cup semi-finals in 1990 and the final in 1994.